STORE SPACES

Deadline extended for annual store design competition
The deadline to enter the Retail Design Institute’s annual store design competition has been extended to January 15, 2016.

The competition celebrates exceptional retail experiences across more than 20 categories from department stores and specialty shops to restaurants and pop-ups. In addition, a single "Store of the Year" will be chosen from among the winning entries.
Retail design firm to be acquired
JLL has entered into an agreement to acquire Big Red Rooster, a brand experience and retail design services company based in Columbus, Ohio.

The acquisition, expected to close in January 2016, will expand JLL’s project management and design services with dedicated brand experience and design experts who can serve a broad mix of retail, food service, grocery and healthcare companies across the United States.

Big Red Rooster counts Under Armour, FedEx, T-Mobile, American Express and Nationwide Children’s Hospital among its clients.

Digital displays set mood at Primark

Custom-built LED displays enhance the atmosphere at Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark’s first U.S. store, at Downtown Crossing in Boston.

The displays are integrated into high visibility locations throughout the store, blending into the environment and highlighting key features of the Primark brand. The displays are designed to attract shoppers, present current trends and provide store information in a hip, stylized fashion.
Call for Entries: Retail Design Institute’s annual store design competition

Design firms and in-house retail design teams from around the globe are invited to submit projects for the Retail Design Institute’s 45th annual international store design competition.

The competition celebrates exceptional retail experiences across more than 20 categories from full-line department stores and specialty shops to restaurants and pop-ups. In addition, a single "Store of the Year" will be chosen from among the winning entries.
Bobrick acquires youth seating line

Bobrick Washroom Equipment has acquired the commercial youth seating line (high chairs, boosters and infant cradles) of Central Specialties, Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Koala Kare Products (KKP) Centennial, Col., a division of Bobrick, will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of the product line with its current offering in the foodservice and hospitality markets.
Boss Facility Services announces new team member

Boss Facility Services announced the addition of Keith Powers, who will focus on the addition of national accounts specifically in the preventative maintenance and R&M space for HVAC, lighting, general repair and janitorial sectors.

Powers brings a diverse sales background to his new job, having worked in varying industries, most recently serving as regional eServices/eCommerce manager for Advance Auto Parts in which he was responsible for increasing multiple revenue streams.
Dunkin’ Donuts expanding with former NFL players

Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with a franchise group led by two former NFL players.

The chain said it has signed an agreement with Berliner III to develop 14 new restaurants in St. Louis and two new locations in Kansas City over the next several years. Berliner III is led by NFL greats and former University of Nebraska football players Kris Brown and Zach Wiegert, who have teamed up with David Scott to develop a third market.
Store Improvements: Remodels, Refreshes and More

Whether it’s a complete remodel or just a refresh, retailers have a variety of options — and decisions to make — when it comes to updating their store interiors. BrandPoint Services’ Steve Hearon talked with Chain Store Age about store update programs.

What are some of the most common mistakes retailers make when undertaking a refresh, remodel or rebranding program?
IRS offers safe harbor for store repairs, eliminating tax compliance confusion

The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Thursday welcomed a <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/wf/click?upn=uefwbvtS7tB-2BrQMPmejiN4fTeYquc3oBa2KlQm0WlEyxQZnrWbSSmbDeaQc3u1U-2BV326b96v8efIzWwvTp88Px8z9SYhH0tfZoMcXNV4A6c-3D_4IBsk1o2j7dj6HmhC-2FQ7Vkc6PF15rC46rSHZ95WWe0BYx0l3bKauNZIqcTP8E6CfMkBbWsId11awP5VfunZkXaoKziYNajexreYN2PVnS2-2F3K0J9UttAaj-2BVkf6HqqxzLJP6nBDUCKhyXtEvKzBRNdQYDe69VHFGzBXxzYf7Y5D6Axcllx2-2BZ5H16Urhk1r1NUgovJOBSXfTM-2B2DBdmPfSZDfgWBANhS5CqPKfUwnHt855CITvWIkWaOqCIRoKi1sI-2BOrVTiJM9UUjbhTEU8tI70NIY8C5D8q9iXO3Jwgr-2BUixP5mBtqgZQpz0XiIrxoPNfhBTtXAi659Mbw-2FBSoxQ-3D-3D" tar
Walmart meets key sustainability goal early

It’s been 10 years since Walmart launched its sustainability agenda, and on Tuesday, the discounter detailed the progress it has made to date.

In two important milestones, Walmart said it has achieved its goals of reducing 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its global supply chain, and doubling its fleet efficiency. It also expanded an existing commitment to preserve wildlife habitat.